Train Worker Killed In Coon Rapids

A rail worker was struck and killed by a Northstar Commuter Rail Line train in Coon Rapids this morning.

Anoka County Sheriff’s Lt. Paul Sommer tells WCCO Radio the male worker was hit at an intersection between the Coon Rapids and Fridley stations about 6:50 a.m. He says it appears the man was talking on his cell phone when he was struck. The victim worked for the Burlington Northern-Sante Fe Railroad and had just completed testing on the westbound lanes when he was struck by an eastbound train that was going about 80 miles per hour.

Metro Transit Spokesman Gibbons says 150 to 200 rail passengers on their way into downtown Minneapolis were bused into the city. Rail service was halted, but was expected to resume Wednesday afternoon.

Gibbons says it’s the first accident in the nine months Northstar has been in operation.